Russia rejects Zelensky claim of 30,000 North Korean troops, says no new Ukraine peace progress

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters there has been no concrete development on any new proposals aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, dismissing reports of an upcoming air cease‑fire or fresh peace formula.

He also flatly denied President Volodymyr Zelensky's alleged assertion that Russia intended to involve roughly 30,000 North Korean soldiers in the conflict, saying he does not need to comment on such speculation.

Peskov added that, although international law forbids arming commercial vessels, the Russian navy may adopt additional protective steps for Russian merchant ships, a directive he said came from President Vladimir Putin.